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Bible Pathways - July 12, 2005

Personal commitment to the Lord's ways; a cry in distress; gratitude to God for His mercy; His mighty power; God's providence over Israel

David was inspired by the Holy Spirit to record: I will sing of mercy and judgment: to you, O Lord, will I sing (Psalm 101:1). As we look back upon our lives we are reminded of the numerous times we have prayed for forgiveness. His continued mercy and patience through the years and the inheritance He has promised should lead us to say with David: I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before my eyes (101:2-3). A perfect heart does not imply perfection (only Jesus could be that). It means a life honest and sincere without ulterior motives. To maintain this attitude, David chose his friends wisely, saying: A forward (deceitful, perverted) heart shall depart from me: I will not know (have anything to do with) a wicked person (101:4).

Some of the many reasons for praising the Lord are given in Psalm 103, but as Christians it is our loving Savior and Lord Himself who is our highest reason for praise. First, we praise Him for who He is, the all-powerful, all-wise, righteous Creator, and then we praise Him for His mercy and forgiving love in cleansing us from all our sins. We also thank and praise Him because He has not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him (103:10-11). Just think, His forgiving love toward those who fear Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. Therefore, it is an act of unbelief, a deception of Satan, and contrary to the nature of our loving Lord, to bring up former sins — either ours or those of others. Forgiven means no longer remembered, not only by God but by us as well (see I John 1:9; II Peter 1:9). Since we expect answers to our prayers, it is of utmost importance that we forgive everyone who has wronged us. But, if we do not forgive others, our Father will not forgive us or answer our prayers (see Psalm 66:18).

We are reminded that unlimited forgiveness should characterize every true disciple of Christ, for He commanded: When you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father . . . forgive your trespasses (Mark 11:25-26).

Christ Revealed:

As the One who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases (Psalm 103:3). Forgiveness of sin and the healing power of God describe the ministry of our Lord Jesus, who was sent to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord (Luke 4:18-19; Matthew 9:6).